By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, describing him as a military officer with democratic credentials whose leadership left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s political evolution and Africa’s liberation struggle.
In an official signed statement, Head of the Information and Public Relations Department, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dewan Goshit, disclosed that the President made the remarks at the 50th Murtala Mohammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference held in Abuja in commemoration of the late leader.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, said General Muhammed possessed “democratic blood in his veins,” noting that within his brief period in office, he put in place a meticulous transition programme designed to return Nigeria to presidential democracy.
The President described the late Head of State as a deeply patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to restoring the nation’s glory. “He was not just a Nigerian; he was a man who loved his country deeply. He took on corruption headlong and fought it with all the skills and talents given to him by God,” President Tinubu said, adding that the anti-corruption battle initiated by General Muhammed continues to be remembered and respected by Nigerians.
Highlighting the late leader’s Pan-African convictions, President Tinubu noted that General Muhammed committed enormous resources toward the total dismantling of colonial rule on the African continent. He recalled Nigeria’s frontline role in liberation movements across Africa, including in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa, describing these efforts as enduring testaments to Muhammed’s vision of a free and united Africa.
Also speaking at the conference, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Murtala Foundation and former President Olusegun Obasanjo said one of the enduring legacies of General Murtala Muhammed was his foresight in grooming a successor. He observed that many leaders fail in preparing those who will succeed them, noting that the late General’s impact shaped his own commitment to sustaining the legacy of transferring power to a presidential democracy in Nigeria.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in his remarks, asserted that the “Africa come of age” vision championed by General Murtala Muhammed is gradually coming to fruition. He pointed to the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement by many African countries as evidence that the continent is moving from being predominantly import-dependent to becoming export-driven. Osinbajo added that Africa is increasingly leading in entrepreneurship, innovation, and manufacturing of goods and services, expressing optimism that with good leadership, the continent can compete favourably with other regions of the world.
In her address, former President of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda, described the late General as a hero and a distinguished son of Africa whose entire life revolved around selfless service to his people. She emphasised that he did not enrich himself in office and noted that his Pan-Africanist ideologies significantly contributed to the liberation of many African countries.
The 50th Murtala Mohammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference brought together statesmen, scholars, diplomats and political leaders, all united in celebrating the life, leadership and enduring Pan-African vision of one of Nigeria’s most iconic leaders.
